After years of dedicated service at the Fleet Support Unit (FSU), Leading Seaman Xavier Riddell decided to use his accrued leave for more than just a holiday - it became a journey of personal growth, spiritual rediscovery and unexpected academic opportunity.
Before beginning a new posting to HMAS Toowoomba, Leading Seaman Riddell set his sights on Europe, drawn by a lifelong love of classical music, Gothic architecture and Renaissance art. High on his list was Austria - the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his favourite composer.
While exploring Austria, he reached out to a friend studying at the International Theological Institute (ITI) Catholic University in Trumau, a small town near Vienna.
The friend invited him to stay in the campus guest accommodation, but what began as a casual visit quickly turned into something deeper.
"I wasn't sure what to expect," Leading Seaman Riddell said.
"But when I arrived, I was struck by how devout and welcoming the student community was. Everyone took their faith seriously.
"It was the first time I'd seen a Christian community living their beliefs so fully."
Having returned to his Christian faith in 2020, the visit proved to be a powerful experience.
He continued his travels through Europe, but Austria, and the community at ITI, stayed in his heart.
When he later found himself with extra time in Lithuania, he made the spontaneous decision to return to Austria to say goodbye.
That farewell visit happened to coincide with the university's open house week.
"I was told applications had closed a month earlier," he said.
"But I asked if it was still possible to stay and the head administrator told me there was room."
'I have no intention of leaving the Navy. In fact, my goal is to one day apply for commission. I believe this course will help me become a better leader.'
Over the next week, he immersed himself in classes on Plato and Aristotle, ethics and Catholic theology.
He toured abbeys and medieval towns, and felt his faith deepen further. By the end of the week, faculty asked if he had considered studying at the university full time.
"I explained that I had work commitments with the Navy," he said.
"But they offered me a place in a one-year course and encouraged me to apply."
Back in Australia, Leading Seaman Riddell wasted no time. He applied for the course, was accepted and then applied for leave without pay. To his surprise, the response from his Navy colleagues was overwhelmingly supportive.
"I made it clear - I have no intention of leaving the Navy. In fact, my goal is to one day apply for commission. I believe this course will help me become a better leader," he said.
"I've already encountered some of these ideas in my leadership training, but this will take it much deeper."
Leading Seaman Riddell views the year of study as a unique opportunity to grow spiritually and intellectually, with potential long-term benefits for his naval career.
While he is aiming to commission as a weapons electrical engineering officer, he also has not ruled out the possibility of exploring a future in Chaplaincy.
"It's all about service, leadership and understanding people. Whether in engineering or ministry, this experience will make me better prepared to support those I lead."
His story is a reminder that sometimes, the most important journeys are not planned, but are embraced when opportunity knocks.
